Monday High-Speed Chase Ends in Arrest

A South Carolina woman is behind bars in Anderson County waiting extradition to Hart County after a high-speed chase Monday morning that started in Hartwell and the search continues for the driver.

Hart County Sheriff Mike Cleveland said it started just before 6a Monday morning on U.S. 29 in Hartwell also known as the Royston Highway.

“A white truck was going down the wrong side of the road, passing on a double yellow lane, complete disregard for safety,” Cleveland said.

He said his deputies encountered the truck about three miles outside of town on the Royston Highway and ran it through town where Hartwell Police assisted in the chase.

That chase continued over the Savannah River bridge into Anderson County, South Carolina, according to Cleveland and ended in Starr, SC.

“It wound up about 12 miles into South Carolina,” Cleveland said. “(The driver) failed to negotiate a curve and hit a tree. They both got out and ran. The male suspect, the driver, got away but we apprehended her.”

Cleveland said the female suspect was taken to the Anderson County jail, but so far, has not cooperated with investigators and has refused to give her name.

She has now been identified by Anderson County authorities as 34-year old Melissa Jane Reese of Iva, SC.

“Like I always say, you don’t need to give your name to go to jail, but you need to give it to get out,” Cleveland said.

Cleveland said a run of the truck’s VIN number found it was stolen in Anderson County.

“The truck turned out to be stolen from Townville, but the tag was an Alabama tag that was also stolen,” he said.

In Georgia, Reese is charged with bringing stolen property into Georgia and obstruction.

Meantime, authorities continue to search for the male suspect.

Once captured, Cleveland said he faces multiple charges including fleeing and eluding police, reckless driving.

Anderson County will also likely press charges against the couple, according to Cleveland.